First, my sympathies to all the citizens affected by the horrific bridge collapse.

In a couple of weeks I will be driving from St. Cloud to Eau Claire. Google suggests I take I94 to I694 back to I94, and I was wondering whether the bridge collapse will require me to go through any confusing detours. Or how much extra time I might need to allot.

I've never been to this area before so I'd appreciate any local insight on driving that section - thx!

Take I-94 to I-694 east to I-94 just like Google says.

It is nowhere near the collapsed bridge & won't get any more traffic than before.

Klam Chowder,

That route takes you around the north end of the Twin Cities metro area, so you should miss the bridge-related detours. Can't promise you won't encounter the usual, ugly road construction though!

Just make sure that you follow 694 all the way around to meet up with 94 in Woodbury. Don't take 94 through the Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns. Really try to avoid rush hour, if you can.

Thx a mint for the replies and details, dusty & romaround!

It eases my mind a lot.

Enjoy-la!

In addition to what dusty56438 and romaround said, you should be aware that there is some major road construction on 694. I assume it will still be going on in a few weeks. You'll be fine, but just make sure you watch the signs and stay on 94 to 694 to 94 again.

Use this link to view real time traffic:
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/tmc/trafficinfo/traffic
I'd avoid driving through the cities (between Monticello to the northwest and Hudson to the east) between 6-9am and 3-6pm during the week.

Have fun